Default Track And Sky Vs. Ap

As I installed the AP sky and weather, and track enhancement packs on about day two of owning TS2021, I never really recalled what the default options looked like.

Having purchased the new North Wales Coast -- Crewe to Holyhead Line, I thought it would be interesting to do a comparison, before installing the updated AP packs.

The difference is certainly noticable - the track and clouds are more 3D, the sky has more gradients, and there is added aerial perspective (the phenomenon of scenery becoming fainter and less contrasty with increased difference - just look at the signal box and distant hills in the first two screenshots in the next post).

Here's a quick video of the first few minutes of a scenario, recorded with default track and sky, then after the AP updates installed:

 

Here's some images, first DTG, then AP:

 

Again, first DTG, then AP:

 

And the sky, first DTG:




now AP:

 

The video is finishing processing, should be live in a few mins.

I must learn how to do a side by side effect - that would be so much better!

 

For easier comparison, here's crops from DTG and AP, showing clearly the effect of aerial perspective in the distant scenery, mentioned above:

 

Which is better is a matter of opinion. Try turning down the contrast a bit with DTG's. Also try DTG's with 3D weather switched on. That has a significant effect on lighting and the position of the sun!

 

I noticed as well that shadows seem more pronounced with the AP EP, as shown by the one track by the left hand platform edge: this can be seen in my last two close ups.

Although I’ve never used TSW, only seen videos and stills of it, I would contend that, for me at least, TS2022 with the AP enhancements - let alone with any of the ‘re-shading’ sorcery - is the equal of the graphics of TSW.